Finance Minister urges states to develop tourist destinations and offers interest-free loans for their improvement

In a recent statement, Finance Minister Sitharaman encouraged states to focus on the comprehensive development of popular tourist destinations and promote them globally. She emphasized the need to evaluate these centers based on the quality of facilities and services and announced the availability of long-term interest-free loans to finance this development.

Sitharaman also highlighted that India’s tourism potential in about sixty locations was showcased at the G20 summit organized by India in 2023. She recognized the vast opportunities for local entrepreneurship in tourism, including spiritual tourism.

Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep Island sparked a call for increased development, futuristic infrastructure, improved healthcare, faster internet, and drinking water. The government has allocated Rs. 1,750.00 crores for the integrated development of themed tourist routes, more than double the revised estimates of 2023-24, demonstrating a significant focus on boosting tourism and infrastructure.

Source .